Liverpool fans were not thrilled to find out that they had lost out on Memphis Depay yesterday even though Brendan Rodgers didn't want him anyway, and they will have been even less impressed upon discovering that Daniel Sturridge will miss out on the start of next season due to injury.
It is widely believed that Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini, and Mario Balotelli have no future at Liverpool after barely featuring this campaign, and with a number of names floating around in the media regarding a potential move to Anfield, we decided to look at how Liverpool's strikeforce may look when the new campaign kicks off.
Daniel Sturridge:
An integral part of the Liverpool team that challenged for the title last season, Sturridge's absence is one of the main factors behind a disappointing campaign this time out. He will undergo surgery on his hip and miss the start of next season, and can he be relied upon to be healthy all season long?
Rickie Lambert:
The sentiment was nice when Liverpool brought Lambert over from Southampton, but it hasn't worked out, and if Lambert wants to play football again he will have to leave the club. Surely on his way out or resigned to a 4th choice striker spot.
Fabio Borini:
After proving his ability to get goals in the Premier League at Sunderland, many expected him to join the wearside club. Instead he chose to fight for his place at Liverpool, which he shouldn't have, because Rodgers clearly doesn't rate him. Certain to leave.
Mario Balotelli:
The signing reeked of a panic buy when it happened, and sure enough it hasn't worked out. If someone is willing to take him, Mario will be out the Anfield door this summer.
Divock Origi:
An exciting young Belgian, Origi agreed to join Liverpool last summer after impressing at the World Cup, and was loaned back to Lille for this season. 8 goals in Ligue 1 this season would suggest that he may be more suited to the wing, but he's lighting quick which could prove lethal with Sterling and Coutinho around him. If he can grow into the role he could be an exciting addition.
Danny Ings:
While most Liverpool fans may be slightly underwhelmed by a potential move for Ings, he would absolutely work his ass off up front which could cause havoc allowing others to capitalise on his work rate. He also isn't a bad finisher, and at 22 years of age there is a lot of room to grow into a leading Premier League striker. Considering how cheap he would be available for, this would represent good business for Liverpool if it were to happen.
Christian Benteke:
He's absolutely banging them in at the moment for Villa, and he's being linked to Liverpool regularly in the papers, but would the big Belgian suit Brendan Rodgers' style of play? A target man striker, perhaps Liverpool should look elsewhere when you consider how much he would cost.
Luciano Vietto:
The young Argentine striker has been fantastic for Villarreal in La Liga this season, and a whole host of European clubs are reported to be looking at him, one of which is Liverpool FC. A lethal finisher with fantastic pace, he would be a great fit for Rodgers' system if he could be persuaded to join.
